The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The International Rescue Committee has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Galmudug, Puntland and Southwest regions) and Banadir implementing interventions in the areas of Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), WASH, Governance, and peacebuilding, GBV, Nutrition, education and health reaching out to more than 200,000 conflict and drought affected people.
Position Summary:
The Senior Water Quality Technical officer is responsible for leading the technical design, implementation, and oversight of water infrastructure activities, with a focus on the deployment of Inline Chlorination (ILC) systems. The role ensures that engineering interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with national standards, while actively engaging with local authorities, including the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability
Key Responsibilities:
1. Technical Leadership and Infrastructure Development
- Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of ILC systems in targeted water supply schemes.
- Conduct hydraulic assessments, flow rate calculations, and pressure evaluations to determine optimal ILC placement.
- Develop engineering drawings, BoQs and technical specifications for water infrastructure upgrades.
- Ensure integration of ILC systems into existing water supply networks with minimal disruption.
2. Supervision and Quality Control
- Oversee construction and installation activities, ensuring adherence to technical standards and safety protocols.
- Conduct regular site inspections and verify contractor compliance with design specifications.
- Ensure that all infrastructure meets Sphere standards and WHO guidelines for water safety.
3. Coordination with Local Authorities and Stakeholders
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, municipal water departments, and other relevant government bodies.
- Facilitate joint planning sessions, technical reviews, and validation workshops with government counterparts.
- Support the development of regional water safety plans and contribute to policy discussions on chlorination and water treatment.
- Advocate for the integration of ILC technology into regional water strategies and budgets.
4. Capacity Building and Technical Training
- Train local engineers, technicians, and water operators on ILC system installation, calibration, and maintenance.
- Develop and disseminate technical manuals, SOPs, and maintenance guides in Somali and English.
- Support community-based water committees in understanding the technical aspects of chlorination and infrastructure management.
5. Sustainability and Handover Planning
- Develop sustainability plans for infrastructure, including maintenance schedules, spare parts planning, and cost recovery models.
- Facilitate infrastructure handover to local authorities and ensure proper documentation and training are completed.
- Monitor post-handover performance and provide technical support during the transition phase.
6. Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Contribute to project work plans, budgets, and donor proposals with technical input.
- Prepare detailed engineering reports, progress updates, and documentation of lessons learned.
- Support evaluations and audits by providing technical evidence and field data.
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Provide rapid technical assessments and support infrastructure rehabilitation during waterborne disease outbreaks or emergencies.
- Ensure ILC systems are adaptable for emergency water supply scenarios.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Engineering, or Environmental Engineering/hydrology
- Minimum 5 years of experience in WASH infrastructure projects, including chlorination systems.
- Proven experience working with government institutions and community-based water systems.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, EPANET, and other water system design tools.
- Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills.
- Fluency in Somali and English is an asset.
How to apply
Applying using the following link: Careers at IRC
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity: Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Diversity and Inclusion: At IRC, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, race, physical or mental ability, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.
Female Candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
